Evolution of Humans

Allan Wilson, a groundbreaking researcher and a lightning rod for controversy, revolutionized science and galvanized the scientific community through his quantitative biochemical approach to the history of evolution. Drawing upon the insights and recollections of those who knew Wilson best, this program-narrated by paleoanthropologist Tim White, codiscoverer of the hominid Lucy"-correlates milestones of his remarkable career with his enduring contributions that range from molecular phylogenies of multiple species to an understanding of mechanisms underlying the mode and tempo of organismal evolution. Commentary by David Wake, professor emeritus of zoology at the University of California, Berkeley, and many others is featured. (41 minutes)"

This program shows the structure and replicating processes of DNA and the effect of genetic mutation; demonstrates the Lederberg Experiment; and recapitulates the evidence provided by fossils and structural and biological homologies that the process of adaptation and the selection of adaptors rests on a wide range of genetic variability. After viewing the program, students should have a general understanding of the general structure and functioning of DNA and of the Lederberg Experiment and its significance, and should be familiar with the range and types of evidence for evolution presented in the review section. (20 minutes)

Since Charles Darwin formulated his theory of natural selection, our view of the world has changed. Although Darwin's theory itself has evolved," scientists agree that living species slowly but surely diverged from common ancestors. This program begins with a segment on fossils, one of the most convincing proofs of evolution. It then retraces the major steps of evolution as they were uncovered by science. It also presents the major theories of evolution. (23 minutes)"

This program provides an explanation of how the twin techniques of gene splicing and cloning are helping to unravel the secrets of variation. Genetic engineering is altering the branching pattern of natural evolution-which proceeds by mutations within a species and sexual recombination within that species-into a network, in which genes are moved within the laboratory from any species to any other species. The program explains the irreversible and unforeseeable results of gene splicing and the scientific and governmental regulations under consideration-realistic scientific and moral questions, uninformed though highly imaginative hysteria... and the actual effects of cloning; it explains the sequences of DNA, how we are learning to read them, the masterminding message in the DNA of many different species, how cells activate only certain genes; and it follows the scientific and economic history of interferon and interleukin-2. (27 minutes)

What does genetic diversity mean, and what is its relationship to evolution? This video answers that intriguing question as it summarizes the theory of natural selection and describes the process of trait inheritance. Advances stemming from the Human Genome Project-an ever-deepening understanding of life on Earth, improvements in disease detection and treatment, and applications of genomics to agriculture, the environment, and forensic science-are also discussed. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. Correlates to National Academy of Sciences National Science Education Standards and the American Association for the Advancement of Science Benchmarks for Science Literacy. A Cambridge Educational Production. (24 minutes)

An extraterrestrial biologist would probably not hesitate to classify Homo sapiens as just another chimpanzee. After all, the two species share 98 percent of their DNA-and yet what a difference that two percent makes. This program investigates how such similar primates became so very dissimilar...and how humans, having reached the point where they are little hindered by natural selection, are beginning to evolve themselves. This is a story full of surprises. Original BBCW broadcast title: Human Life. (49 minutes)

What does a male peacock's flashy tail tell us about natural selection? How and why do mutations occur? If nature favors speedy horses, shouldn't they have wheels instead of legs? This video addresses those questions and many others as it guides students through the fundamentals of evolutionary science. Filled with entertaining animation and dialog, the program illustrates the famous peppered moth example, Charles Darwin's historic research, Richard Dawkins' selfish gene theory, sexual selection, allopatric and sympatric speciation, the basics of DNA, Stanley Miller's experiment simulating the conditions of the primitive Earth, cladistics, Linnaean classification, and more. A Discovery Channel Production. (27 minutes)

Confronting one of the most complex and potentially divisive issues on the American cultural landscape, this ABC News program examines the intellectual and political forces that support the teaching of intelligent design in public schools. The video focuses on the Discovery Institute, a Seattle-based think tank that has generated widespread enthusiasm-and criticism-for making I.D. part of science curricula. Also featured is an in-depth debate between George Will and Cal Thomas, two conservative commentators who differ on whether a non-testable, quasi-religious belief should be promoted in biology courses. The result is an effective springboard for class discussion on an extremely challenging topic. (22 minutes)

In their drive to populate the planet, organisms have overcome challenges to their survival that are as varied as they are numerous. This captivating five-part series uses cinematic-quality re-creations of prehistoric Earth, extraordinary 3-D computer animations of life processes and extinct creatures, and breathtaking documentary-style nature footage to provide a fresh look at the primordial progression of evolution. Informative, accessible, visually captivating, and vastly intriguing, Journey of Life takes viewers on a trip through time that leads them through the drift of eons and ages...to themselves. Original BBCW broadcast title: Journey of Life. 5-part series, 50 minutes each.

The common consensus among anthropologists is that modern man emerged from Africa. This program examines new evidence that disputes this theory and alleges that simultaneous to the emergence of Homo erectus in Africa, there were also groups of Homo erectus in Australia. Was there an earlier diaspora that predates the African migration? Is there a single, linear evolution from Homo erectus to modern man, or is it possible that there were various strains and that evolution is a result of hybridization? Does Java Man, dated as living two million years ago, refute the Africa theory? A BBC Production. (50 minutes)

British biologist Richard Dawkins is blunt in his support for evolutionary theory as opposed to special creationism." This program, inspired by Dawkins' book, allows each side to present its best arguments-with some bias toward Darwinian evolution. The evidence is well-organized and current. Creationist ideas are vividly contrasted with contradictory data through observation, computer simulations, robotics, experiments, and close examination of designs in nature. The central argument here is that the diversity we see in such complex adaptations as the eye and insect mimicry can best be explained by cumulative natural selection over long periods of time. A BBC Production. (49 minutes)"

Darwin's theory that all life evolved from a common source caused a storm of controversy, on scientific as well as on religious grounds-controversy that still rages today. This series provides a comprehensive introduction to the evidence for and against the Darwinian view of the origin of species. Taped at the Linnean Society, it consists of illustrated lectures by some of the world's leading biologists. 6-part series, 26 minutes each.

How did early hominids evolve into modern Homo sapiens? In this stimulating two-part series, Dr. Friedemann Schrenk, chief curator at Darmstadt's Hessisches Landesmuseum, goes to major paleoanthropological sites in Africa and to vaults containing priceless collections of fossils in his effort to piece together the phases of human evolution by sifting through the scattered remains of early humankind. 2-part series, 46-47 minutes each.